FRESHWATER FISHERS SEEK BETTER OUTCOMES FROM ELECTION COMMITMENTS

[Member]

MEDIA  RELEASE      Thursday  8th March 2012                    37


FRESHWATER  FISHERS  SEEK BETTER OUTCOMES FROM  ELECTION COMMITMENTS.

The Queensland State Government election is to be held on the 24th March 2012.    The election is a prime opportunity for political parties of all persuasions to publicly put their cards on the table, and  to commit to enhancing freshwater fishing across Queensland, Robin Caddy, President of the Freshwater Fishing & Stocking Association of Queensland (FFSAQ) said today.

The Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland Inc. is the peak organisation representing freshwater fishers of Queensland.   FFSAQ is the community and political voice for  stocking groups and is empowered to liaise with Government on their behalf.   

Mr Caddy stated that the unprecedented community interest in freshwater fishing is not being commensurately supported and resourced by government.    Now is the time for political parties   to commit to policies that will provide an increased contribution that will in turn expand and enhance the fishery in line with public expectations, Mr Caddy said.

Les Kowitz, FFSAQ’s Executive Officer, advised today that FFSAQ has produced a “Freshwater Recreational Fishing Position Statement”.     A copy of this statement has been provided to political parties for consideration.    Key elements of the position statement seek a commitment from the incoming government to:
•   Provide adequate resources to FFSAQ to undertake an improved role of servicing fish stocking groups
•   Commit to and maintain its Recreational Fishing Enhancement Program, and to increase its funding base
•   Confirm that the SIP scheme will continue to be endorsed and supported under existing arrangements

The obvious boost in regional tourism, the flow on increase to local economies, and the provision of recreational fishing opportunities, are all considerations that need to be addressed by government, Mr Kowitz said.     

 The opportunity for political parties to commit to an enhanced freshwater fishery is now, and FFSAQ is expecting political parties to deliver.

[Member]

About time FFSAQ threw something out there.  IMHO they need to be out there more & stir up some sh!t on behalf of those they claim to represent.  Good on 'em...

The election is the best time to get pollies to commit to anything regarding fishing, especially sweetwater fishing, even if it's only a baby kissing exercise to grab votes. That's the bait & hopefully those bottom dwelling mud sifters come up & nibble on it......